CAP Health Policy Program
Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC)

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All orders of government in Canada have made a commitment to children and families.  In 2003, the federal, provincial, and territorial Multilateral Framework for Early Learning and Child Care identified ELCC as a shared priority, with agreed objectives and principles. 

The provinces and territories receive support from the federal government in the provision of childcare through the Canada Social Transfer.  In 2006, the federal government launched the Universal Child Care Benefit, which provides up to $1200 per year to families for each child less than six years of age.  Under Health Canada’s Health Consultation and Liaison (HCON) program, CAP receives funding to support engagement with the federal early childhood learning and childcare initiative. 

Aboriginal children’s issues have long been a priority at CAP, from our landmark report The Circle of Care (1989), to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (1996), to the National Children’s Agenda (1999), to the F/P/T Early Childhood Development Initiative (2001). 

In 2007/08, we will be providing input into the development and implementation of various components of the initiative and disseminating information throughout our affiliates.  We will continue to work with Health Canada officials on ELCC and participate in various ELCC learning events.   CAP provides funding to our affiliates so that they can be engaged with the ELCC agenda.  We hold an annual working group meeting on ELCC, which allows an opportunity for our affiliates to develop a greater awareness of various initiatives and to meet with experts in the field.